Superintendent of Schools
Meet the Superintendent
Superintendent Eric Olson’s Biography
Education: BS in Elementary Education (SCSU), MA in Administration (SCSU), K-12 Principal and Superintendent License (SCSU)
Experience: Middle School Alternative Education Teacher, 3rd Grade Teacher (both in Sauk Rapids, MN), Middle School Assistant Principal/Activities Director (MMS), Elementary Principal (Pinewood), E-Kindergarten Principal (EEC)
Hobbies: Family time, cooking, exploring outdoors, coaching hockey, reading, and writing in journals
Quote: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
Tweets from Supt. Olson
Superintendent Olson Serving Lunch at the Monticello Middle School (Fall, 2023)
District Podcast
Our district podcast is back!
Click HERE to listen to our Student Voices Podcast.
Message from the Superintendent
As we embark on the 2024-25 school year, we aim to carry forward several exciting initiatives to enhance our students' learning experiences. At our secondary schools (grades 6-12), we have implemented hands-on activities that bridge classroom learning with real-life experiences, fostering deeper engagement, and building a 21st Century problem-solving skill set. Our teachers, staff, and administration have taken the lead in building many of these initiatives, practices, and classes to connect education with the broader community fabric.
Our Middle School has embraced a focus on nurturing student passions and interests through new pathway exploration, encouraging students to explore diverse learning opportunities, and develop essential skills for their future endeavors. Students are greeted each day by staff who blend academic learning with a commitment to building STAR character (Self-control, Tolerance, Attitude, and Respect).
At our flagship high school, we are excited to introduce a new trimester schedule, providing students with extended class periods and more elective opportunities. Teachers, counselors, and administration are leading the way to a change that reflects our commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of our students and community.
Our elementary and preschool teachers at Eastview, Little Mountain, Pinewood, and Nature Based have been diligently participating in the science of reading training, underscoring our commitment to try to help every child read at grade level. Additionally, our special education, English Learner, and support staff collaborate closely with general education to meet the diverse needs of all students. We take great pride in providing the support necessary for academic and emotional growth of Every Kid, Every Day. Our staff believe that reading and inclusion are key ingredients to student success. We work hard to help students feel valued and seen.
As we look to the future, our district remains dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of today's world. Emphasizing the development of social skills, integrity, effective communication, critical thinking, and resilience is essential for thriving in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Throughout the upcoming year, we invite you to engage with us at various events, from music concerts and sports competitions to community gatherings (like Monti on the Move events one Saturday per month) and school board meetings. Your involvement strengthens our bond as a community and reinforces our shared commitment to the success of every student, from pre-K through post-graduate programs.
There is no doubt that Monticello remains a small town feel but offers big city opportunities for all of our students. I look forward to our continued collaboration in the year ahead.
Superintendent Eric Olson
Monti on the Move
Welcome to Monti on the Move with Superintendent Olson!
Our Monti on the Move events provide our community with a space to connect in a fun way while also fostering connections with the school district. Here is a recap of our Monti on the Move events so far this year:
September 2024 - Students and families joined Mr. Olson at Bertram Park for a morning of nature walks, leaf art, and pumpkin painting! (Photos Below)
October 2024 - Community members, including Mayor Lloyd, joined Superintendent Olson at Monticello High School to play tennis and pickleball with Coach Kedrowski and her team! For some attendees, it was their first experience with the sports, sparking new interest among both adults and kids. (Photos Below)
November 2024- Families and members of the community attended our Old-Fashioned Carnival! From carnival games, to prizes, and even cotton candy and popcorn, this event was a blast! (Photos Below)
December 2024- Superintendent Olson hosted a Holiday Craft Fair! Students, staff, and community members sold handmade holiday creations. We had a fantastic turn out and are looking forward to making this an annual event! (Photos Below)
January 2025 - To kick off the new year, Superintendent Olson welcomed families to Bertram Chain of Lakes for a morning of ice skating and ice fishing!